Hi Lute-netters, How Michael describes the paper template, would indicate that the centre-line fold represented the centre-line of the soundboard and the outer edge represented the profile of the lute-body. It might also suggest that Stradivari did not build over a mould.
I assume this template would indicate symmetry in that the depth of the bowl will be exactly the same as the width from the centre-line (fold). Later lutes developed a different ratio in that the depth was shallower than the width radius. Probably necessary because of their increased size. I await your comments. Best Wishes Ron (UK) -----Original Message----- From: Garry Bryan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 23 May 2005 12:55 To: lute list Subject: RE: Stradivari lute? > -----Original Message----- > From: Michael Thames [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2005 10:55 AM > To: Lute net > Subject: Stradivari lute? > > > I noticed a lute template of the belly ( 11 course French lute) made from > thick paper, folded down the middle to from the centre line, indicating to > me, that lutes were originally conceived to be symmetrically prefect, and do > in fact have a clear centre line, contrary to what Lundberg says. [GB>] Lundberg did not say that lute bellies weren't symmetrical, just that the lute as a whole doesn't have a clear center line. If you'll look at page 76 ( Practicum One: Making the Form ) in "Historical Lute Construction", you'll notice that Lundberg's instructions coincide with what you describe above. I'm sure that Martin Shepherd (first name out of the brain this morning.) or someone else can probably give a concise description of the "asymmetry" of the lute. It's too early for me; I need more coffee >:) To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
